Скачать или смотреть State govt approves conditional aid plan for ADCs

The state cabinet has approved a plan to extend financial support to the state’s three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), but with the condition that reforms must accompany the aid. The scheme will remain voluntary, giving each council the freedom to either accept or decline the assistance. To shape the framework, three sub-committees will hold consultations with the councils over the next 45 days, after which the government will finalise its decision.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma explained that the proposal was driven by the worsening financial health of the ADCs, which has hindered their functioning. While acknowledging that the councils are constitutionally empowered and central to Meghalaya’s traditions, he emphasised that the government’s role is limited to providing financial stability. He underlined that no council would be compelled to take the aid, and their autonomy would be fully respected.

The assistance, however, will not be unconditional. Councils seeking help, especially to meet salary requirements, will be expected to adopt stricter service rules and appoint a principal secretary from the IAS or a senior MDC officer to oversee financial administration. Sangma stressed that such reforms are intended to ensure proper utilisation of funds and bring about long-term fiscal discipline, without affecting matters of land, customs, or traditional powers.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, he pointed out that the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council had faced a salary bill of nearly ₹70 crore last year, against revenues of only ₹25 crore. By comparison, the Khasi Hills ADC was in a relatively stronger position, partly due to tighter manpower control. Describing the decision as a step towards both immediate relief and sustainable reform, Sangma said the sub-committees’ recommendations would guide the eventual implementation of the scheme.

The Shillong Times, a leading news organisation in Meghalaya, brings to you news and information from across the state, the Northeast region and the country.

Like, Share and Subscribe to TST channel for latest news and updates.

#news #shillong #meghalaya

You can also read the news on www.theshillongtimes.com

We are also on:
Facebook:   / theshillongtimes  
Twitter:   / shillongtimesin  
Instagram:   / theshillongtimes  
Pinterest: https://pin.it/2UNYcYV